Science Minister Tours RMRDC, Pushes for Local Raw Material Addition to Enhance Economic Growth
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, has undertaken an official tour of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) facility complex in Abuja, as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
The visit underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to promoting sustainable development and the strategic utilization of locally available raw materials as a catalyst for economic diversification and national growth.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Pauline Sule, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes industrialization, job creation, and inclusive economic development.
Central to the engagement were high-level discussions on enhancing value addition to Nigeria’s raw materials prior to export. The Minister emphasized that this approach is critical to boosting the value of the naira, increasing foreign exchange earnings, and reducing the nation’s reliance on the export of unprocessed commodities.
Dr. Udeh also noted that the visit comes at a strategic time as the Ministry intensifies preparations for the national flag-off of the Energize Commercialise Now (ECoN).
He highlighted that the programme will serve as a key vehicle for unlocking Nigeria’s vast raw materials potential, driving industrial growth, and accelerating economic transformation.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the Minister stated that repositioning Nigeria as a value-driven export economy through innovation and technology will create jobs, empower millions of youths, and significantly reduce poverty across the country.
